January 14, 2014

The 2014 session of the Iowa Legislature began on Monday. Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center, said his top priority continues to be expanding Iowa's middle class.

"Last year, the Iowa Legislature showed that Democrats and Republicans can work together when we focus on helping more Iowans move into the middle class," Sodders said. "This year, we need to invest in our local schools after several years of falling short."

Since the 2010 election of a Republican majority to the Iowa House and the election of Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, increases in funding for Iowa's local schools have been far below average. In addition, the Iowa House and Gov. Branstad have ignored the state law requiring the Legislature to give local school funding early, high priority attention.

"We've found bipartisan agreement on a commercial property tax cut, on freezing university tuition, on health care, and on expanding workforce training opportunities but we haven't yet found bipartisan agreement on local school funding," Sodders said. "Nothing is more important to Iowa's economy and expanding the middle class than providing Iowa children with a great education."

"Often I hear the best ideas first from the people in my district.. If you have a suggestion or a comment, please let me know," Sodders said. "My cell number is 641-751-4140 and email address is steve.sodders@legis.iowa.gov."